Captain Shadi Bashir, 24, is suspected of stealing no less than 77 fragmentation grenades and 13 anti-tank missiles from the IDF, working along with his driver. The case does not appear related to terrorism.

According to the allegations against Bashir, the stolen military merchandise was sold to the driver’s father, Mohammad Zoabi, known in criminal circles.

Bashir is a company commander in the IDF’s Bedouin Reconnaissance Battalion. He is a resident of Zarzir and arrested a number of weeks ago following an undercover probe. Bashir reportedly told military authorities he was acting under duress as his life and that of his family were threatened if he did not cooperate.

The driver, Adi Zoabi, denies the charges against him and is not cooperating with investigators. The three are scheduled to be indicted in a military court on Thursday, 7 Menachem Av.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)